What about some West Coast time travel? Make a short left at Langebaan and visit the world-renowned West Coast Fossil Park. Just 150km north of Cape Town and a good stop over for a day-trip, the park is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil faunal remains that date to the terminal Miocene/early Pliocene (around 5.2 million years ago).
A team of national and international researchers are currently investigating and unearthing the unique and fascinating history of the fossil finds at the West Coast Fossil Park and are endeavouring to recreate the environment and climate of the area as it was 5 million years ago. Imagine tropical lush forests, rivers and grasslands where strange creatures (now extinct) like sabre-toothed cats, short-necked giraffes, hunting hyenas and African bears roamed the west coast.
In 1943 deeply buried fossil finds where uncovered during mining operations in Langebaanweg area. Now the park was later declared a National Heritage site with the museum and displays officially opened in the late 1990’s.
Whether you are a keen amateur palaeontologist or just interested in pre-history, don’t miss out on this experience! If you fancy a more active adventure you can book a mountainbike ride or a walk through the park.
